Fourth Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child

New Brunswick Fourth Degree Child Pornography Defense Attorneys

It is a fourth degree crime to possess or knowingly view any photograph, film, or computer program depicting a child engaging in a prohibited sexual act. It is also a fourth degree crime to engage in child neglect or cruelty under N.J.S.A. 9:6-3. A conviction under either of these scenarios results in a felony criminal record. And while fourth degree endangering the welfare of a child is eligible for Pretrial Intervention, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office objects to admission in most cases of this nature. What this means is that, in all likelihood, you will have a criminal record for child pornography absent your successfully defending this offense. The services of a seasoned New Brunswick sex crime lawyer can prove invaluable in this regard. That is exactly what the attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can offer you. We defend individuals charged or indicted for fourth degree endangering in New Brunswick, Edison, Metuchen, Plainsboro and East Brunswick. To speak to an attorney on our staff, including one of our former prosecutors, call our New Brunswick Office at 732-246-7126.

Middlesex County Fourth Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child Charge

To be guilty of fourth degree endangering under N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4, the accused must knowingly possess or view some image, whether it is a photograph, video or anything else, that depicts a child under sixteen (16) engaging in sexual acts. Another basis for a fourth degree conviction under 2C:24-4 is a parent, guardian or overseer, causing abuse, neglect or abandonment of a child as outlined in N.J.S.A. 9:6-1. It is important to keep in mind that the latter form of endangering the welfare of a child does not require intentional or knowing conduct by a parent or guardian. All that is required is for the prosecution to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, that the parent or guardian effected the child in the prohibited manner. A prosecutor can choose to charge an individual with neglect under 2C:24-4(a) or based on N.J.S.A. 9:6-3.

Penalties for 4th Degree Endangering

There are a wide range of penalties that apply whenever someone is convicted of endangering the welfare of a child in the fourth degree. At the time of sentencing, you can be sent to prison for up to eighteen (18) months and fined as much as $10,000. You could also be required to perform community service, complete a period of probation and forfeit custody of your child.

Fourth Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child Lawyer

If you are facing fourth degree endangering the welfare of a child at the Superior Court in New Brunswick, our defense team is ready to defend you. We have been handling endangerment charges for decades, including many years in the capacity as a county prosecutor. Whether your were arrested and charged in MonroeOld Bridge, Piscataway, North Brunswick or Sayreville, we are fully equipped to successfully represent you. A knowledge criminal lawyer on our staff is available immediately by calling our Piscataway Office at 732-392-7202.

Endangering the Welfare of a Child Resources